Out of favour Indian all-rounder, Irfan Pathan hasn’t given up his hope. Irfan made his India debut as a teenager and rose to fame with his all-around skills. But at 31, Irfan admits to having underachieved in his international career due to an inconsistent form and fitness. Irfan is taking a cue from Ashish Nehra, who made a successful comeback earlier this year at 36. Before the start of the domestic calendar, Irfan considers it to be a make or break season in his quest for a comeback in the Indian team. In Chandigarh for the JP Atray tournament, Irfan’s good show propelled Baroda to claim the title.
Irfan Pathan was the highest wicket taker of India in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy but he was not considered for the Asia Cup and WT20I. It was frustrating or Irfan.
Irfan, who is the first Indian fast bowler to have taken a hat-trick in Test cricket, said, “Sitting out so much in such a big tournament is not easy but then the team management has to choose the playing XI keeping in mind the best combination. I rate coach Stephen Fleming very high and Dhoni understands the game well. I am sure they have faith in my cricket abilities. I would give my best in the next edition.”
Irfan has played for a couple of IPL teams, but he has to warm the bench for most of the time during his Chennai Super Kings days and earlier this year for Rising Pune Supergiants while playing under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.
So, when asked how were his days under Dhoni, Irfan explained, “Sitting out so much in such a big tournament is not easy but then the team management has to choose the playing XI keeping in mind the best combination. I rate coach Stephen Fleming very high and Dhoni understands the game well. I am sure they have faith in my cricket abilities. I would give my best in the next edition.”
Regarding neutral venues of Indian cricket Irfan Pathan said, “It will be challenging for the all the teams. Getting out of the respective comfort zones would stretch the cricketers and test their calibre. The matches were getting over inside two days with the teams getting home advantage.”
Irfan was also asked whether his allrounder tag still excites him, the 31-year-old has played 29 matches for India and taken 100 Test wickets, said, “It does excite me. Earlier we were playing four home and four away games, but now all the eight games will be away from home. It will test my abilities. At the same time, I am raring for all the challenges coming my way as my focus is to do well for Baroda and aim for a national comeback.”